Intermittent Clashes in Libyan Capital, UN Slams Threat to People's Lives

Smoke fumes rise above buildings in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, during shelling on May 9, 2020. (AFP Photo)
Smoke fumes rise above buildings in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, during shelling on May 9, 2020. (AFP Photo)
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Intermittent Clashes in Libyan Capital, UN Slams Threat to People's Lives

Smoke fumes rise above buildings in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, during shelling on May 9, 2020. (AFP Photo)
Smoke fumes rise above buildings in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, during shelling on May 9, 2020. (AFP Photo)

Clashes between the Libyan National Army (LNA), commanded by Khalifa Haftar, and forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA), headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, eased on Friday after two days of intense fighting at the majority of the frontlines around the capital, Tripoli.

Intermittent clashes was reported on Friday as the NATO said it is prepared to help the GNA in the area of "defense and security institution building", in response to a request by Sarraj to assist it to "strengthen its security institutions."

"Any NATO assistance to Libya would take account of political and security conditions, and would be provided in full complementarity and in close coordination with other international efforts, including those of the UN and the EU," said Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during a telephone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a main backer of the GNA.

The GNA on Friday showed footage of an attack against a grad rocket launcher it claimed the LNA had used in an attack on Tripoli hospital and the capital's Tariq al-Soor neighborhood.

In a brief statement, the LNA said its artillery struck an ammunition depot in Ain Zara, south of Tripoli.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said UN humanitarian agencies in Libya condemned all attacks that endangered the lives of civilians and prevented them from accessing life-saving services.

Acting UNSMIL special representative Stephanie Williams briefed on Thursday the International Follow-up Committee on Libya, convened under Italy's co-chairmanship. In a brief statement, it called on its members to "uphold the Berlin commitments to ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities, a resumption of the political process and alleviate the suffering of the civilian population."

It revealed that since the beginning of the year, 17 health facilities have been attacked in Libya.

Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, renewed on Thursday the organization's call for a ceasefire in Libya so that efforts can be focused on the fight against the novel coronavirus.



Metro, Train Fare Hikes Strain Egyptian Families

Cairo Metro ticket prices rise starting Thursday (Ministry of Transport)
Cairo Metro ticket prices rise starting Thursday (Ministry of Transport)
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Metro, Train Fare Hikes Strain Egyptian Families

Cairo Metro ticket prices rise starting Thursday (Ministry of Transport)
Cairo Metro ticket prices rise starting Thursday (Ministry of Transport)

Sally Mohamed, a young worker in Cairo, was surprised to find that the fare for the Cairo Metro had increased from 15 to 20 Egyptian pounds during her commute from Helwan to Mohandessin on Thursday.
The new prices were being updated at the ticket counter as she bought her ticket.
On the same day, the Egyptian government raised fares for metro and train services by 25% to 33%, following a recent increase in fuel prices.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly had warned of such economic measures last month, which include raising service prices through the end of next year.
The fare hikes affect Egypt’s extensive rail network, which serves over 420 million passengers annually.
The highest increase was for the lower-priced “Tahya Misr” trains, at 25%, while third-class air-conditioned and ventilated Russian trains saw a 12.5% rise.
Mohamed now faces an additional 10 pounds in daily commuting costs due to the fare increase, which amounts to nearly a one-third rise in her monthly transportation expenses.
Since 2017, Cairo Metro fares have been rising after remaining at one pound for 11 years. The fare doubled initially and has since been adjusted several times, with current prices based on the number of stations traveled.
Mohamed is worried that her salary won’t keep up with the rising costs. She fears she may struggle to afford other necessities due to the increased fare.
She’s not alone; many on social media are criticizing the frequent fare hikes, especially on X, where users have expressed frustration with the rising costs.
The Cairo Metro fare has been raised for the second time this year, following a 20% increase in January. The metro serves about 4.5 million passengers daily, according to the Ministry of Transport.
Yasser Omar, a member of Egypt’s House of Representatives, explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the fare hikes are necessary to keep services running and improve them amid global inflation.
He said the increases are part of a planned strategy to manage inflation and reduce losses for the Ministry of Transport due to the gap between service costs and ticket prices.